SANTIAGO - State subsidized butcher shops sold 12 ounces of second-rate beef
per Santiago resident in 1998, according to data obtained by this reporter.
The total was distributed at the rate of 4 ounces at the beginning of the
year, 4 ounces for the July 26 celebration, and 4 ounces on December 7.

The December beef allocated to some butcher shops gave off a peculiar odor
suggesting early stages of rot, but no consumer rejected it, what with use the
great desire to eat some red meat.

Elsewhere in Santiago, beef can only be purchased legally at the stores which
accept only hard currency, at prices that are often out of reach of the
average citizen. Beef also be purchased - somewhat cheaper - on the Black
Market.